Polymerization initiator of organoalkaline earth compound with organoaluminum compound

ABSTRACT

A polymerization initiator formed on admixing an organoalkaline earth compound and an organoaluminum compound, wherein the organoalkaline earth compound is the reaction product of an alkaline earth metal with a pyridine-type compound, polynuclear aromatic compound, or polyaryl-substituted ethylenic compound.

United States Patent 1191 Mueller, Jr. et al.

[54] POLYMERIZATION INITIATOR OF ORGANOALKALINE EARTH COMPOUND WITH ORGANOALUMINUM COMPOUND Inventors: Francis X. Mueller, Jr., Louisville, Ky.; James D. Brown, Bartlesville,

Appl. No.2 80,231

Related US. Application Data Division of Ser. No. 784,899, Dec. 18, 1968, Pat. No. 3,578,642.

11.5. C1. ..252/431 R, 252/431 N Int. (:1. ....C08g 17/02, C08g 22 04, C08g 23/00 Field of Search ..252/431, 431 N 1 1 Apr. 3, 1973 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,337,475 8/1967 Fukui 6131...... ..252 431 N x 3,509,067 4/1970 130811611, ..252/431 R 3,542,750 11/1970 Tomomatsu. ..252/43112 x 3,580,866 5/1971 116 m1 ..252/431 R x Primary Examiner-Patrick P. Garvin Attorney-Young and Quigg 571 ABSTRACT A polymerization initiator formed on admixing an organoalkaline earth compound and an organoaluminum compound, wherein the organoalkaline earth com-- 9 Claims, No Drawings POLYMERIZATION INITIATOR OF ORGANOALKALINE EARTH COMPOUND WITH ORGANOALUMINUM COMPOUND This application is a divisional application of US. application Ser. No. 784,899, filed Dec. 18, 1968 now US. Pat. No. 3,578,642, patentedMay 11, 1971.

This invention relates to a process for polymerizing alkene oxides alone and to a process for copolymerizing alkene oxides with polymerizable acrylic acid esters, methacrylic acid esters, lactones, or other alkene oxides in the presence of a polymerization initiator system comprising an organoalkaline earth compound and an organoaluminum compound.

In another aspect, this invention relates to a new composition of matter useful as polymerization initiator comprising an organoalkaline earth compound and an'organoaluminum compound.

It has now been discovered that a polymerization initiator comprising an organoalkaline earth compound and an organoaluminum compound is surprisingly effective in the polymerization initiation of an alkene oxide along or in admixture with another alkene oxide and in the copolymerization of alkene oxides with polymerizable acrylic acid esters, methacrylic acid esters, or lactones. It has been further discovered that the organoalkaline earth compound and organoaluminum compound function together to improve the polymerization process.

It is an object of this invention to provide a new process for polymerizing an alkene oxide alone or in admixture with'another alkene oxide.

It is an object of this invention to provide a new process for copolymerizing alkene oxides with polymerizable acrylic acid esters, methacrylic acid esters, or lactones.

It is an object of this invention to provide a new composition of matter comprising an organoalkaline earth compound and an organoaluminum compound. It is a further object of this invention to prepare analkene oxide polymer containing terminal hydroxyl groups.

Other objects, advantages, and features of our invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from'the disclosure and discussion herein set forth. According to our invention, if an organoaluminum compound is employed in conjunction with an orhigher conversion rates andalso much higher conversions are achieved than when either component is used singly.

The organoalkaline earth compounds suitable for employment in our invention include the reaction products obtained by reacting an elemental metal selected from magnesium, calcium, strontium, or barium, with a pyridine-type compound, a polynuclear aromatic compound, or a polyaryl-substituted ethylene.

Those pyridine-type compounds as herein defined and used throughout the specification and claims that are suitably employed for producing the organic portion of the organoalkaline earth compound are selected from pyridine, bipyridines, or polycyclic fused-ring aromatic compounds where at least one of said fused rings is a pyridine ring, and wherein the number of carbon atoms of the pyridine, bipyridine, or polycyclic fusedring aromatic compounds is five to 40 and wherein the said pyridine-type compound can contain alkyl,

cycloalkyl, aryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, alkylt hiol, arylthiol, or N,N-dialkylamino substituents and combinations thereof such as cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl, and the like, wherein the number of carbon atoms in all the substituents is from one to 24. These compounds can also contain halogen substituents, i.e., chloro, fluoro, bromo, and iodo. Exemplary of these compounds are: benzo[b]-l,S-naphthyridine; pyrido[2,3-g]quir 1oline; benzo[c] [bl ,8]naphthridine;

pyrido[2,3-f] l ,7]phenanthroline; 1,8 ]naphthyridine; naphth[ l,2-h]-isoquinoline; quino[5,6-b}[4,7jphenanthroline; naphtho-[l,2-b][4,7] phenanthroline; dibenz[b,i]acridine; acridino [1,2-a] acridine; phenaleno [l,2,3-k,l ]-acridine; dinaphtho[2,3-c:2,3-i]phenanthridine; 4-cyclopentyl- 6-phenoxydinaphth [2,3-a:2,3-j]acridine; l-phenyl-S- ethoxy-benzo[c]benz[5,6,]acridino-[3,4-h]acridine; 2- (4-ethylphenyl )-6-butylthio-benzo [1,2-cz5 ,4-c 1- diacridine; 3-phenylthio-[7phenylthio]-7-cyclohexylmethyl-9-(N,N-diethylamino)phenanthro[2,1 ,10-m n a]acridine; 2-benzyl-quino[5 ,6-b][ 1,7]phenanthroline; l-chloro-l0-ethoxy-benzo[c][ 1,7]1naphthyridine; 5- bromo-10-ethyl-4,7-phenanthroline; 7-iodo-10-phenylbenzo c] [2 ,7 ]naphthyridine; 4-phenythio-4 -N,N- dibutylamino-2,2 '-bipyridine; 4chloro-4 '-bromo-3 ,3

bipyridine; l ,4,5 ,S-tetraphenylacridine, 4-phenylpyridine; 5 methylquirioline; 4,4 '-dichloro-2,2 bipyridine; 3-ethoxy2,3-bipyridine; 4-cyclohexylisoquinoline; 9fluoroacridine; S-bromo-l ,5

phenanthroline; 9-iodo-l,8-phenanthroline; pyridine; 2,2'-bipyridine; 2,3'-bipyridine; 2,4'-bipyridine; 3,3- bipyridine; 3,4-bipyridine; 4,4'-bipyridine; quinoline; isoquinoline; acridine; 1,5-phenanthroline; 1,8- phenanthroline; 4,5-phenanthroline.

Those polynuclear aromatic compounds employed for producing the organoalkaline earth compound are aromatic hydrocarbons containing at least a 2-ring structure in which at least two of said rings are aromatic and at least two of said rings are fused and said polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon has from 12 to 40 carbon atoms per molecule. These polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons can contain alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, alkylthiol, arylthiol, N,N-dialkylamino, halogen substituents, i.e. chloro, fluoro, bromo, and iodo, or combinations thereof such as cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl, and the like, wherein the carbon atoms of all the substituents total not more than 25. Exemplary of these compounds are anthracene; Q-bromoanthracene; l-bromo-naphthalene; 9,10-dibromoanthracene; 9,10-

dimethylanthracene; 9 l O -diphenylanthracene; phenanthrene; 9,1Qbenzphenanthrene; 2,3- benzanthracene; 'l ,2-benzanthracene; chrysene;

9, l 0-di( N,N-dimethylamino )anthracene; and the like.

phenanthridine; dibenzo[b,g][

The polyaryl-substituted ethylene employed for producing the organo-alkaline earth compounds is ethylene that has been substituted with at least two aryl-substituted radicals and said polyaryl-substituted ethylene has from 14 to 40 carbon atoms per molecule. The said aryl substituents can contain alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, alkylthiol, arylthio, or N,N-dialkyl-amino radicals and combinations thereof such as cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl and the like, wherein the carbon atoms of these latter radicals total not more than 25. Exemplary of those compounds are cis and trans 1,2-diphenylethylene (stilbene); 1,1-diphenylethylene; triphenylethylene; tetraphenylethylene; l-phenyl-2-(1- naphthyl)ethylene; l, l -diphenyl-2-( 2- naphthyl)ethylene; l,2-di(l-naphthyl)ethylene; l-(4- methoxyphenyl)-l-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-2-[4-(3- methylcyclopentyl)phenyl]-2-(4-cyclohexylmethylphenyl)ethylene; l-(4-methylthiophenyl)- l-(4- phenylthiophenyl)-2-[4-(N,N-diethylamino)phenyl]ethylene; tetra-(4-phenoxyphenyl)ethylene; tetra- (l-naphthyl)ethylene, and the like.

Any method known to the art can be employed for preparing the organoalkaline earth compounds of this invention. One method generally preferred comprises contacting substantially pure elemental metal; in the form of turnings or shot, or the like, so as to provide a form of metal with as much exposed surface metal as possible; with the pyridine-type compound, the polynuclear aromatic compound or the polyaryl-substituted ethylene compound. It is important that the metal be protected from air and maintained accordingly so as to prevent the formation of oxides thereon.

The polynuclear aromatic compound, the polyarylsubstituted ethylene or the pyridine-type compound and the elemental metal are brought together at a temperature in the range of about 100 to 200F, preferably about 20 to 125F. The contacting is carried out in the presence of an ethereal diluent of monoor polyethers including acyclic and cyclic ethers. Alkyl, aryl, or cycloalkyl ethers, or combinations thereof, containing two to 20 carbon atoms per molecule and about one to four ether groups per molecule can be employed. Exemplary ethers are diethyl ether, dibutyl ether, methyl butyl ether, phenyl methyl ether, diphenyl ether, cyclohexyl methyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, 1,2- dimethoxyethane, 1,4-dioxane and the like. Tetrahydrofuran; 1,2-dimethoxyethane; or 1,4-dioxane are the preferred diluent ethers.

When preparing the organoalkaline earth compound herein described, it is believed likely that the ethereal diluents form ether complexes with the oganoalkaline earth compound thus produced.

When a very finely divided metal form is employed such as produced by the vaporization of calcium in an electric furnace as described by V. Sinn, B. Francois, N. Mayer, and J. Parrod in Compt. Rend. (Paris), 262, Ser. C,p. 541-544 (1966), it is unnecessary to contact the organic compounds with the metal in the presence of ether diluents. The contacting can then be carried out generally in any inert diluent such as aliphatic, aromatic, cycloaliphatic, or araliphatic hydrocarbons and the like.

Employment of the vaporized metal is not the preferred procedure due to the more costly and more complex electric furnace procedures used for the preparation of such a very finely divided metal.

Metals that have been prepared by such a method often present polymerization initiator activity themselves, but are, however, generally inferior to the initiators of this invention. The solution or suspensions of the initiators produced according to this invention are more easily handled in charging, measuring, or other transfer operations than the vaporized metal themselves. This subsequently results in improved controls of the polymerization reaction in terms of initiator level and thus the molecular weight of the polymer.

Another disadvantage of conducting polymerization 'reaction with finely divided metals as produced by the electric furnace method is that they often show long induction periods and then rapid uncontrolled reactions.

Also, these very finely divided metals are more susceptive to inactivation by accidental contact with air or other oxygen-containing gases resulting in inactivation of large portions of the finely divided metal by the formation of an oxide surface coating thereon.

The ratio of gram atoms of metal to moles of polynuclear aromatic compound, to moles of polyarylsubstituted ethylene or to moles of puridine-type compounds is in the range of about- 1:1 to 25:1. It is preferred to use an amount of metal in excess of the 1:1 ratio with a more preferred ratio being 4:1 to 15:1.

Organic promoters which react immediately to expose fresh metal surface area can also be employed during the preparation of the organoalkaline earth compound. Alkyl or alkylene halogen-containing promoters such as 1,2-dibromoethane, methyl iodide, ethyl bromide, or ethyl iodide, and the like function accordingly. The well-known Grignard reaction utilizes such a promoter and is described in Organo-Metallic Compounds by G. E. Coates, page 46-47, 2nd Ed., John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York (1960).

The amount of promoter, if employed, is generally in the range of about 0.002 to 0.2 mole, preferably about 0.005 to 0.1 mole per gram atom of metal and preferably containing the bromide or iodide halogen with 1,2-dibromoethane being the preferred promoter for use with this invention.

The organoaluminum compounds employed in the polymerization initiator system of this invention can be represented by the formula R Al where R is a saturated aliphatic, saturated cycloaliphatic, or an aromatic radical or combinations thereof such as aliphaticaromatics, and the like containing from one to 20 carbon atoms. Exemplary compounds include trimethylaluminum,

triethylaluminum, tri-n-propylaluminum, triisopropylaluminum tri-n-butylaluminum tri( 2- methylbutyl)aluminum, tri-n-octylaluminum, tri-ndodecylaluminum, tricyclohexylaluminum, triphenylaluminum, tribenzylaluminum, trieicosylaluminum, diethyl-n-butylaluminum, tri-4-tolylaluminum, tri(2- hexyltetradecyl)aluminum, methyldi(4-cyclohexyloctyl)aluminum, ethyldi(2-butylcyclohexyl)aluminum, tri(2,4,8-trimethylhendecyl)aluminum, and the like.

The mole ratio of the organoalkaline earth compound to the organoaluminum compound depends to some extent upon the catalyst level desired but generally is in the range of 0.05:1 to 20:1.

' As hereinbefore stated, the polymerization initiators of this invention can be employed for the homopolymerization of any polymerizable alkene oxide or for the copolymerization with one or more other alkene oxides, acrylic acid esters, methacrylic acid esters, and lactones.

The polymerization initiator system of this invention can be used for polymerizing alkene oxides containing up to and including 20 carbon atoms per molecule but are particularly useful in the polymerization of alkene oxide monomers containing from about two to about eight carbon atoms per molecule. Thus, alkene oxides which can be polymerized in accordance with this invention can be represented by the formula wherein R and R are selected from hydrogen, saturated aliphatic, saturated cycloaliphatic, monoolefinic aliphatic, diolefinic aliphatic (conjugated and nonconjugated), monoolefinic cycloaliphatic, diolefinic cycloaliphatic (conjugated and nonconjugated), and aromatic radicals and combinations of these such as arylalkyl, alkaryLand the like. Some or all of the R and R radicals can be halogen-substituted and can contain oxygen in the form of an acyclic ether linkage (O--) or an oxirane group Further, the alkene oxides represented by the above formula can contain one or two olefinic linkages, one or two oxirane groups, and zero or one ether linkages. In addition, both R variables can represent a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon radical which, together with the carbon atoms of the oxirane .group, can form a cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon nucleus containing from about four to about carbon atoms and preferably from about four to about eight carbon atoms.

Exemplary of some alkene oxides which can be homopolymerized or copolymerized in accordance with, this invention are ethylene oxide (epoxyethane); l,2-epoxypropane (propylene oxide); l,2 epoxybutane; 2,3-expoxybutane; 1,2-epoxypentane; 2,3-epoxypentane; l,2 -epoxyhexane; 3,4-epoxyhexane; 1,2- epoxyheptane;. 2,3-epoxyoctane; 2,3-dimethyl-2,3- epoxypentane; 1,2-epoxy-4-methylpentane; 2,3-epoxy- S-methylhexane; l,2-epoxy-4,4-dimethylpentane; 4,5- epoxyeicosane; l-chloro-2,3-epoxypropane(epichlorohydrin); l-bromo-2,3-epoxypropane; l,5-dichloro-2,3-epoxypentane; 2-iodo-3,4- epoxybutane; styrene oxide; 6-oxabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane; 7-oxabicyclo[4.1.0]heptane; 3-propyl-7.-oxabicyclo[4.l.0]heptane; bis(2,3-epoxypropyl)ether; tertbutyl 4,5-eopxyhexyl ether; 2-phenylethyl 3,4-epoxybutyl ether; allyl 2,3-epox propyl ether (allyl glycidyl ether); allyl 3,4-epoxybutylether; l-methallyl 3,4 epoxyhexyl ether; 3-hexenyl 5,6-epoxyhexyl ether; 2,6- octadienyl 2,3,7,8-diepoxyoctyl ether; 6-phenyl-3-hexeny] 3-ethyl-5,6-epoxyhexyl ether; 3,4-epoxy'l-butene (butadiene monooxide); 3,4-epoxy-l-pentene; S-phenyl-3,4-epoxy-l-pentene; l,2,9,l0diepoxy- S-decene; 6,7-di-n-butyl-3,4,9,l O-diepoxy-l ,l l-dodecadiene;

epoxy vinyl ether; allyl 2-methyl-2,3-epoxypropyl ether; 3-cyclohexyl-2-propenyl 4-cyclohexyl-3,4-epoxybutyl ether; 2,4-pentadienyl 2,3-diethyl 3,4-epoxybutyl ether; l-methylallyl 6-phenyl-3,4-epoxyhexyl ether; 5-(4-tolyl)2,3-epoxypentyl vinyl ether; bis [4-(3- cyclopentyl)2,3-epoxybutyl]ether; 2-(2,4-cyclohexadienyl)ethyl 2,3-epoxybutyl ether; 2-(2,5-cyclohexadienyl)ethyl 2-benzyl-4,5-epoxypentyl ether; 3,4- epoxy-l,5-hexadienyl isopropyl ether; allyl 3,4- dimethyl-3,4-epoxyhexyl ether; 3,4-epoxy-4-(2,3- diinethylphenyDl-butene; 3,4-dimethyl- 3,4-epoxy-l pentene; 5-(4-methylcyclohexyl)3,4-epoxy-l-pentene; 4,5-diethyl-4,5-epoxy2,6-octadiene; 4-(2,4-cyclopentadienyl) l ,2,6,7-diepoxyheptane; l-phenyl-l ,2-epoxy- 5,7-octadiene and the like.

The lactones which can be cop olymerized with the alkene oxides can be represented by the following formula:

' I?! /n R"-c-(o )c=o wherein R"" is one of hydrogen and a radical of the formula and when R'? is a radical as specified, no R' is attached to the carbon atom to which the R"" radical is attached, wherein R' is one of hydrogen, 'alkyl,'

cycloalkyl, and aryl and combinations thereof, wherein the total carbon atoms in the R' and R"" substituents being in the range ofone to 12, and wherein n being an integer which can be 1, 3, or 4. Suitable'lactones in clude beta-propiolactone, delta-valerolactone, epsiloncaprolactone, and lactones corresponding to the following acids: 2-methyl-3-hydrox.ypropionic acid, 3- hydroxynonanoic or 3-hydroxypelargonic acid, 2- dodecy]-3-hydroxypropionic acid, 2-cyclopentyl-3- hydroxypropionic acid, 3-phenyl-3-hydroxypropionicacid ester can be copolymerized with one or more alkene oxides. Exemplary of those polymerizable compounds include methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, cyclohexyl acrylate, octyl acrylate, dodecyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, cyclohexyl methylmethacrylate, octylmethacrylate, dodecylmethacrylate, benzyl acrylate, benzyl methacrylate and the like.

The polymerization reaction can be conducted according to general methods and conditions known to the art. The reaction is generally conducted however, in a hydrocarbon diluent, i.e., paraffmic, cycloparaffinic, or aromatic hydrocarbon containing four to 10 carbon atoms per molecule. Polymerization temperatures in the range of 50 to 200F can be employed. Temperatures in the range of to 122F are preferred. Higher and lower temperatures can be employed if desired. The concentration of the organoalkaline earth compound employed is about 0.1 -to 100 (mhm) gram millimoles per 100 grams of. monomer(s) and preferably about 1 to 20 (mhm).

The products prepared in accordance with this invention range from liquids to solids depending upon particular types of monomers that are employed. The products can be used as plasticizers for rubber, as coating compositions, adhesive formulations, and the like. The alkene oxide polymers contain terminal hydroxy groups and thus have utility as intermediates in the formation of polyurethanes which can ultimately be em ployed as insulation material for refrigerators, in the building construction, and the like.

illustrative ofour invention and not to be interpreted as a limitation on the materials herein employed or upon the general scope of this invention, the following examples are presented.

EXAMPLE I Anthracene, mole Ca, 6 mesh shot, g. atom ,1 ,2-Dibromoethane, mole Tetrahydrofuran, ml

Temperature, F

Time, hours The anthracene was charged to the reactor first followed by the calcium and then the tetrahydrofuran. The reactor was flushed with argon and 1,2- dibromoethane was added. The temperature was adjusted to 122F and maintained at this level for 144 hours. The calcium-anthracene reaction product precipitated as it was formed. The mixture was centrifuged, the tetrahydrofuran was withdrawn, and the solid product was washed (stirred) with l00 mls of toluene at 122F for 30 minutes. The mixture was centrifuged, toluene withdrawn, and washing was re peated. After the second washing and toluene withdrawal the insoluble reaction product was dispersed in 100 mls of toluene. The alkalinity of this dispersion was determined by titration with 0.1 normal HCl. The molarity was found to be 0.105.

The calcium-anthracene reaction product was then employed with an organoaluminum compound as the polymerization initiator system for polymerizing an alkene oxide according to the following recipe:

Parts by weight Cyclohexane 780 Propylene oxide Triisobutylaluminum, mhm variable Calcium-anthracene reaction product, mhm variable temperature, F 41 Time, hrs. 24

mhm gram millimoles per I00 grams of monomer.

The cyclohexane was charged and the reactor was then purged with nitrogen. Propylene oxide was in- -troduced, the mixture was cooled in an ice bath,

triisobutylaluminum was added when used, and then the calcium-anthracene reaction product (when used). After 24 hours, a 10 weight percent solution of 2,2- methylene-bis(4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol) in a mixture of equal parts by volume of isopropyl alcohol and toluene was added to the polymerization mixture. The amount used was sufficient to provide one part by weight of the antioxidant per 100 parts by weight of monomer charged to the polymerization. The polymer was recovered by evaporation of the diluent. The

results of the propylene oxide polymerization are re-.

ported in Table I.

TABLE I Triisobutyl- Calcium Run No. aluminum, mhm Anthracene, mhm Conv. l 20 0 2 2 10 10 100 3' 0 20 4 The product from Run 2 was a viscous liquid. The above example demonstrates the effectiveness of our initiator system to quickly and completely polymerize alkene oxides and to clearly demonstrate'the unexpected effects of our 2-component polymerization initiator system in contrast to using either the organoaluminum compound or the organoalkaline earth compound singly.

EXAMPLE ll Propylene oxide was polymerized in the presence of triisobutylaluminum (TBA) and a calcium-anthracene reaction product as the polymerization initiator system and cyclohexane was employed as the diluent. The ratio of the catalyst components was varied. The amount of cyclohexane and propylene oxide were the same as in Example I. The polymerization temperature was 41F and the time was 24 hours. Liquid polymers were obtained in all runs. Results were as follows:

I 2 3 'lriisobulylaluminum, mhm [(1 l l() Ca-Anthraccnc, mhm I l0 l0 Conversion, 87 9 I00 Inherent viscosity 0.95 not detd. 0.37

These data show that the ratio of initiator components can be varied over a considerable range. Even Run 2, in which the catalyst level was 1 l mhm, gave a considerably higher conversion than was obtained in Runs 1 and 3 of Example 1 in which the initiator level was 20 mhm.

EXAMPLE III In order to demonstrate that alkene oxide polymers prepared in the presence of the polymerization initiator systems of this invention contain terminal hydroxy groups, a run was made using the recipe of Run 2, Example l, for the polymerization of propylene oxide. In this run, the reaction was conducted at 41F for 28 hours. The polymerization was terminated as in Example I, the polymer solution was washed with water to 10 remove catalyst residue, the aqueous and organic phases were separated, and the polymer was recovered from the-organic phase by evaporation of the diluent. The product had an inherent viscosity of 0.48 and was gel free.

Samples of the polymer were heated overnight with variable amounts of toluene-2,4-diisocyanate at 50C, variable amounts of triethylenetetramine were added and the samples were heated again overnight at 50C.

Crosslinking (gel formation) in the product showed that the polymer had terminal hydroxy groups which reacted with the isocyanate to form polyurethane. This product was then cured with the polyamine. Amounts of materials employed and results obtained were as follows:

l 2 3 Polymer, grams 5 5 5 Toluene2,4diisocyanate, meq. 1.95 2.70 2.95 Triethylenetetramine, meq. 1.95 2.70 2.95 Gel, 68 61 65 The above example demonstrates the existence of terminal hydroxy groups on the alkene oxide polymers produced according to this invention and further EXAMPLE v A block copolymer of propylene oxide and epichlorohydrin was prepared in the presence of triisobutylaluminum and the reaction product of calciurn with anthracene as the initiator. The calciumanthracene reaction product was prepared as described in Example 1 except that the reaction time was 72 hours instead of 144 hours and the product was used as formed in tetrahydrofuran suspension. The polymerization recipe was as follows:

Step

Cyclohexane, parts by weight 780 Propylene oxide, parts by weight 100 Triisobutylaluminum, mhm 20 Ca-anthracene reaction product, mhm l0 temperature, F 41 Time, hours 27 Step 2:

Epichlorohydrin, parts by weight l00 Temperature, F 41 Time, hours 120 Conversion, 100

The reaction mixture was admixed with antioxidant solution as in Example I and the diluent evaporated to recover the polymer. The product was a viscous liquid.

5 It had an inherent viscosity of 0.23 and a chlorine condemonstrates their use as an intermediate in the production of polyurethanes.

EXAMPLE IV V Organocalcium compounds were prepared by reacting 0.025 mole each of l-bromonaphthalene, 9- bromoanthracene, 9,10-dibromoanthracene, and 2,2- dipyridyl with 0.10 gram atom of calcium in the presence of 100 ml of tetrahydrofuran and 0.001 mole of l,2-dibromoethane as in Example 1. Reactions were conducted at 41F. The time duration was 72.5-73

hours except for 2,2 '-dipyridyl which was 141 hours.

The operability of these compounds as polymerization initiators, in conjunction with triisobutylaluminum, was demonstrated with propylene oxide. The

recipe was the same as in run 2, Example I. The polymerization temperature was 41F. Results were as follows:

Initiator Prepared from 9-Br l-Br 9, l0-DiBr Anthracene Naphtha- Anthracene 2,2'-Dipyridyl lene Poly. time, hours 29 29 29 24 Conversion, 100 100 9 Inherent viscosity 0.08 Q09 1 not det These data show that a variety of compounds can be employed for preparing the organocalcium component for the polymerization initiator system of this invention. The results demonstrate that these catalyst systems gave high conversion of propylene oxide to polymer. The products were viscous liquids.

tent of 17.5 weight percent.

The above example demonstrates block copolymer formation between two alken'e oxides and further demonstrates employment of the as formed tetrahydrofuran suspension of the organoalkaline earth component in the polymerization process.

EXAMPLE VI Copolymers of propylene oxide with methyl methacrylate and with e-caprolactone were prepared using triisobutylaluminum and the reaction product of calcium with anthracene as the catalyst. Runs were also When conducting the polymerization, toluene was charged. first. The reactor was then purged with nitrogen, methyl methacrylate or e-caprolactone was added, the propylene oxide was introduced, and the mixture was cooled in an ice bath. Triisobutylaluminum was added and then the calcium-anthracene reaction product. The polymers were recovered as in Example I. Results were as follows:

Run No. Comonomer TBA, mhm Ca-anthracene, mhm

Conv., l c-Caprolactone l0 0 22.3 2 e-Caprolactone 0 l0 1 1 .3 3 s-Caprolactone l0 l0 89 4 Methyl methacrylate 10 0 4.2 5 Methyl methacrylate 0 10 49 6 Methyl methacrylate l0 l0 79.2

These data show that the catalyst systems of this invention can be employed for the copolymerization of propylene oxide with methyl methacrylate and also with e-caprolactone. Solid products were obtained in all runs.

EXAMPLE VII Block copolymers of propylene oxide with e-caprolactone or B-propiolactone were prepared using triisobutylaluminum and the reaction product of calcium with anthracene as the catalyst. Propylene oxide was polymerized first. The second monomer was then added and polymerization continued. The recipes were as follows:

l 2 Step 1:

Cyclohexane, parts by weight 585 585 Propylene oxide, parts by weight 50 50 Triisobutylaluminum, mhm l l0 Ca-anthracene reaction product, mhm 5 5 Temperature, "F 41 41 Time, hours 24 24 Step 2:

e-Caprolactone, parts by weight 50 fl-Propiolactone, parts by weight 50 Temperature, F 41 41 Time, hours 96 96 Conversion, 74 90 These data show that the catalyst systems of this invention can be utilized for the production of block copolymers of propylene oxide with lactones. Both products were solids.

As will be evident to those skilled in the art, various modifications of this invention can be made, or followed in light of the teachings and discussions set forth herein without departing from the scope or spirit of our invention.

We claim:

1. A composition of matter, effective as a polymerization initiator, which forms on admixing (I) an organoalkaline earth compound and (ll) an organoaluminum compound employing a mole ratio of said (I):(Il) ofabout 0.05:1 to 2021,

wherein said (I) organoalkaline earth compound is the reaction product of an organic compound which is a pyridine-type compound, polynuclear aromatic compound, or polyaryl-substituted ethylenic compound, with an alkaline earth metal which is magnesium, calcium, strontium, or bariwherein said (II) organoaluminum compound is represented by R Al wherein each R is a hydrocarbon radical containing up to carbon atoms;

said pyridine-type compound contains from five to 40 carbon atoms and is pyridine, bipyridine, or polycyclic fused-ring aromatic ring compound wherein at least one said fused ring is a pyridine ring, and wherein said pyridine-type compound can contain at least one substituent which is alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, alkylthio, arylthio, N,N-dialkylamino, halogen, or combination thereof wherein the number of carbon atoms in the total of such substituents is from one to 24; said polynuclear aromatic compound contains from 12 to 40 carbon atoms per molecule and contains at least two rings in which at least two of said rings are aromatic and at least two of said rings are fused, and wherein said polynuclear aromatic compound can contain at least one substituent which is alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, alkylthio, arylthio, N,N-dialkylamino, halogen, or combination thereof, wherein the carbon atoms of all such substituents total not more than 25; and

wherein said polyaryl substituted ethylenic compound contains from 14 to 40 carbon atoms per molecule and contains at least two aryi-substituted radicals, and wherein said polyaryl-substituted ethylenic compound can contain alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, alkylthio, arylthio, N,N-dialkylamino, or combination thereof, wherein the carbon atoms of such substituents total not more than 25.

2. The polymerization initiator as defined in claim 1 wherein said pyridine-type compound is benzo[b]-l ,5- naphthyridine; pyrido[2,3-g]quinoline; benzo[c][ 1,8]naphthridine; phenanthridine; pyrido[2,3-f][ 1,7] phenanthroline; dibenzo[b,g][ l ,8 ]naphthyridine; napth[ l ,2-h]isoquinoline; quino[5,6-b][4,7] phenanthroline; naphtho-[ l,2-b] [4,7]phenanthroline; dibenz[b,i]acridine; acridino[ l ,2-a]acridine; phenaleno[ l ,2,3-k, l ]acridine; dinaphtho[2,3-c:2',3 '-i] phenanthridine; 4-cyclopentyl-6-phenoxydinaphth[ 2 ,3-a:2,3 '-j acridine; l-phenyl-S -ethoxy-benzo[ c]benz[5,6,]acridino[ 3,4-h]acridine; 2-(4-ethylphenyl)-6-butylthio-benzo[ 1,2-c:5 ,4-c ]-diacridine; 3-phenylthio-[7-phenylthio]-7-cyclohexylmethyl-9-(N,N- diethylamino)phenanthro[-m n a]acridine; 2- benzyl-quino[5,6-b][1,7]phenanthroline; l-chloro-l0- ethoxy-benzo[c][ 1,7 lnaphthyridine; 5-bromo-l0- ethyl-4 ,7-phenanthroline; 7-iodol 0-phenylbenzo[ c] [2 ,7 ]naphthyridine; 4-phenythio-4 '-N,N-dibutylamino-2,2'-bipyridine; 4-chloro-4'-bromo-3,3'-

bipyridine; 1,4,5 ,S-tetraphenylacridine, 4-phenylpyridine; S-methylquinoline; 4,4'-dichloro-2,2- bipyridine; 3-ethoxy-2,3 -bipyridine; 4-cyclohexylisoquinoline; 9-fluoroacridine; 8-bromo-l ,5-

phenanthroline; 9-iodo-l,S-phenanthroline; pyridine; 2,2'-bipyridine; 2,3'-bipyridine; 2,4'-bipyridine; 3,3- bipyridine, 3,4'-bipyridine; 4,4-bipyridine; quinoline; isoquinoline; acridine; 1,5-phenanthroline; 1,8- phenanthroline; or 4,5 -phenanthroline;

said polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon is 9- bromoanthracene; l-bromonaphthalene; 9,10- dibromoanthracene; 9,10-dimethylanthracene; 9,10-diphenylanthracene; phenanthrene; 9,10- benzphenanthrene; 2,3-benzanthracene; 1,2- benzanthracene', chrysene; acenaphthylene; perylene; fluoranthene; 3-(3-ethylcyclohexyl)anthracene; 4-(2-cyclohexylethyl)tetracene; 4,7-diethoxyfluoranthene; l-phenoxyl-6-methylcoronene; 6-ethylthioaceanthrylene; 6,8-di(phenylthio)hexacene; 7-(N,,N- diethylamino)acephenanthrylene; 3,8,14- triphenoxytrinaphthylene; 1,3 ,6,8-tetraphenylthiopyrene; l,IS-dipentylpyranthrene; 4-N,N- (dimethylamino)perylene; heptaphene; heptacene; pentaphene; rubicene; pleiadene; pentacene; l,4,8,l l-tetracyclohexylpentacene; -9- methylanthracene; '9-phenylanthracene; 9,10- dicyclohexylanthracene; or 9 l 0-di( N ,N- dimethylamino)anthracene; and said polyaryl-substituted ethylene is stilbene; 1,1- diphenylethylene; l,2-diphenylethylene; triphenylethylene; tetraphenylethylene; l-phenyl-2-( 1- naphthyl)ethylene;

1,1-diphenyl-2-(2- naphthyl)ethylene; l,2-di(1'naphthyl)ethylene; l- (4-methoxyphenyl)-l-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-2-[4- (3-methylcyclopentyl)phenyl]-2-(4-cyclohexylmethylphenyl)ethylene; l-(4-methylthiophenyl)-l -(4-phenylthiophenyl)-4-[4-(N,N-diethylamino)- phenyl]ethylene; tetra-(4-phenoxyyphenyl)ethylene; or tetra-( l-naphthyl)-ethylene.

3. The polymerization initiator according to claim 1 wherein said pyridine-type compound further contains at least one substituent which is alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, alkylthio, arylthio, N,N-dialkylamino,

halogen, or combination thereof, wherein the number of carbon atoms in the total of all such substituents is from one to 24; and said polynuclear aromatic compound further contains at least one substituent which is alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, alkylthio, arylthio, N,N-dialkylamino, halogen, or combination thereof, wherein the carbon atoms of all the substituents total not more than 25.

4. The polymerization initiator according to claim 1 wherein said aryl substituents of said polyaryl-substituted ethylenic compound further contain alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, alkylthio, arylthio, N,N-dialkylamino, or combination thereof, wherein the carbon atoms of theseradicals total not more than 25.

5. The polymerization initiator according to claim 1 wherein said (I) organoalkaline earth compound is formed from anthracene, 9-bromoanthracene, lbromonaphthalene, 9,10-dibromoanthracene, or 2,2- dipyridyl.

6. The polymerization initiator according to claim 5 wherein said (I) organoalkaline earth compound is formed from anthracene and calcium, and said (II) organoaluminum compound is triisobutylaluminum.

7. The polymerization initiator as defined in claim 1 wherein in the preparation of said (II) organoalkaline earth compound said organic compound and said alkaline earth metal are admixed at a temperature in the range of F. to 200F. in the presence of an ethereal or hydrocarbon diluent.

8. The polymerization initiator as defined in claim 7 wherein is employed a ratio of gram atoms of said al- UNITED STATES PATENT- OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 5,725,301 Dated Apri1 5, 1973 Inventor(s) Francis X. Mueller, Jr. et a1;

" It is eertified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 12, line 29, delete "-m" and insert Signed and sealed this 3rd day of December 1974.

(SEAL) Attest:

McCOY M. ei BsoN JR, c. MARSHALL 'DANN Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents USCOMM' DC 60376-P69 FORM POJOS-D HO'GQI- E 4 us (-m'namm rimmua omen B59430 

2. The polymerization initiator as defined in claim 1 wherein said pyridine-type compound is benzo(b)-1,5-naphthyridine; pyrido(2,3-g)quinoline; benzo(c)(1,8)naphthridine; phenanthridine; pyrido(2,3-f)(1,7)phenanthroline; dibenzo(b,g)(1, 8)naphthyridine; napth(1,2-h)isoquinoline; quino(5,6-b)(4, 7)phenanthroline; naphtho-(1,2-b)(4,7)phenanthroline; dibenz(b, i)acridine; acridino(1,2-a)acridine; phenaleno(1,2,3-k, 1)acridine; dinaphtho(2,3-c:2'',3''-i)phenanthridine; 4-cyclopentyl-6-phenoxydinaphth(2,3-a:2,3''-j)acridine; 1-phenyl-5-ethoxy-benzo(c)benz(5,6,)acridino( 3,4-h)acridine; 2-(4-ethylphenyl)-6-butylthio-benzo(1,2-c:5,4-c'')-diacridine; 3-phenylthio-(7-phenylthio)-7-cyclohexylmethyl-9-(N,N -diethylamino)phenanthro(2,1,10-m n a)acridine; 2-benzyl-quino(5, 6-b)(1,7)phenanthroline; 1-chloro-10-ethoxy-benzo(c)(1, 7)naphthyridine; 5-bromo-10-ethyl-4,7-phenanthroline; 7-iodo-10-phenylbenzo(c)(2,7)naphthyridine; 4-phenythio-4''-N,N-dibutylamino-2,2''-bipyridine; 4-chloro-4''-bromo-3,3''-bipyridine; 1,4,5,8-tetraphenylacridine, 4-phenylpyridine; 5-methylquinoline; 4,4''-dichloro-2,2''-bipyridine; 3-ethoxy-2,3''-bipyridine; 4-cyclohexylisoquinoline; 9-fluoroacridine; 8-bromo-1,5-phenanthroline; 9-iodo-1,8-phenanthroline; pyridine; 2,2''-bipyridine; 2,3''-bipyridine; 2,4''-bipyridine; 3,3''-bipyridine; 3, 4''-bIpyridine; 4,4''-bipyridine; quinoline; isoquinoline; acridine; 1,5-phenanthroline; 1,8-phenanthroline; or 4,5-phenanthroline; said polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon is 9-bromoanthracene; 1-bromonaphthalene; 9,10-dibromoanthracene; 9,10-dimethylanthracene; 9,10-diphenylanthracene; phenanthrene; 9, 10-benzphenanthrene; 2,3-benzanthracene; 1,2-benzanthracene; chrysene; acenaphthylene; perylene; fluoranthene; 3-(3-ethylcyclohexyl)anthracene; 4-(2-cyclohexylethyl)tetracene; 4, 7-diethoxyfluoranthene; 1-phenoxyl-6-methylcoronene; 6-ethylthioaceanthrylene; 6,8-di(phenylthio)hexacene; 7-(N,N-diethylamino)acephenanthrylene; 3,8,14-triphenoxytrinaphthylene; 1,3,6,8-tetraphenylthiopyrene; 1,15-dipentylpyranthrene; 4-N,N-(dimethylamino)perylene; heptaphene; heptacene; pentaphene; rubicene; pleiadene; pentacene; 1,4,8, 11-tetracyclohexylpentacene; 9-methylanthracene; 9-phenylanthracene; 9,10-dicyclohexylanthracene; or 9,10-di(N,N-dimethylamino)anthracene; and said polyaryl-substituted ethylene is stilbene; 1,1-diphenylethylene; 1,2-diphenylethylene; triphenylethylene; tetraphenylethylene; 1-phenyl-2-(1-naphthyl)ethylene; 1,1-diphenyl-2-(2-naphthyl)ethylene; 1,2-di(1-naphthyl)ethylene; 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-2-(4-(3-methylcyclopentyl)phenyl)-2 -(4-cyclohexylmethylphenyl)ethylene; 1-(4-methylthiophenyl)-1-(4-phenylthiophenyl)-4-(4-(N,N-diethylamino) -phenyl)ethylene; tetra-(4-phenoxyyphenyl)ethylene; or tetra-(1-naphthyl)-ethylene.
 3. The polymerization initiator according to claim 1 wherein said pyridine-type compound further contains at least one substituent which is alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, alkylthio, arylthio, N,N-dialkylamino, halogen, or combination thereof, wherein the number of carbon atoms in the total of all such substituents is from one to 24; and said polynuclear aromatic compound further contains at least one substituent which is alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, alkylthio, arylthio, N,N-dialkylamino, halogen, or combination thereof, wherein the carbon atoms of all the substituents total not more than
 25. 4. The polymerization initiator according to claim 1 wherein said aryl substituents of said polyaryl-substituted ethylenic compound further contain alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, alkylthio, arylthio, N,N-dialkylamino, or combination thereof, wherein the carbon atoms of these radicals total not more than
 25. 5. The polymerization initiator according to claim 1 wherein said (I) organoalkaline earth compound is formed from anthracene, 9-bromoanthracene, 1-bromonaphthalene, 9,10-dibromoanthracene, or 2,2''-dipyridyl.
 6. The polymerization initiator according to claim 5 wherein said (I) organoalkaline earth compound is formed from anthracene and calcium, and said (II) organoaluminum compound is triisobutylaluminum.
 7. The polymerization initiator as defined in claim 1 wherein in the preparation of said (II) organoalkaline earth compound said organic compound and said alkaline earth metal are admixed at a temperature in the range of -100*F. to 200*F. in the presence of an ethereal or hydrocarbon diluent.
 8. The polymerization initiator as defined in claim 7 wherein is employed a ratio of gram atoms of said alkaline earth metal to moles of said organic compound of 1:1 to 25:1 in preparing said (II) organoalkaline earth compound.
 9. The polymerization initiator as defined in claim 8 further employing from 0.0002 to 0.2 mole of organic promoter per gram atom of said alkaline earth metal in preparing said (II) organoalkaline earth compound, said organiC promoter reacting with said alkaline earth metal to expose fresh metal surface during preparation of said (II) organoalkaline earth compound. 